New anthem for 'Gay' Delhi

LGBT activists protest against Supreme Court's verdict on homosexuality, in New Delhi on Wednesday. (PTI PHOTO)

The Supreme Court’s judgment on gay rights is making everyone stand up in support of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community in whatever way they can, and the city is now ready to get its very first gay anthem, too.

On December 19, Delhi will witness a live performance of image and communications consultant, writer and lyricist Sharif Rangnekar’s first ever Indian song on homosexuality — Head Held High. The track will be performed by him along with the band, Friends of Linger.

“The song was written to promote the message that homosexuality is not a crime. It’s someone’s choice and we should learn to respect that. And, especially after Supreme Court’s verdict last week, there is a sense of anger, which we want to channelise through this song,” says Rangnekar.

He adds, “It is probably the first song of its kind in the Indian context. The song refers to the sense of not knowing, coming out, becoming confident and later standing up for who you are. There is protest in this track when we talk of politics and to claim one’s normal-ness and not to be satisfied or taken in by lip-service and tokenism.” The song is composed by Adhir Ghosh and Smiti Malik. “We wanted it to be easy to sing ... and to have a recall value, ” says Ghosh.

Catch it liveWhat: Head Held High — live launch performance When: December 19Time: 10.30pm onwardsWhere: Hard Rock Cafe, DLF Place, Saket Nearest metro station: Malviya Nagar on the Yellow Line